Thursday, May 27, 2010

Bradley, Forby Says No to Mount Vernon,

State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, and state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, both are rejecting Mount Vernon's attempt to be added to SB 2093, this year's bill creating STAR Bond Districts in Illinois for the first time.

Today's Southern reports state Sen. John O. Jones, R-Mount Vernon, has drafted an amendment which would allow a second district to be created off of Exit 94 on Interstate 57. Forby though remains opposed to an amendment at this time, as today may be the last day of the session.

Meanwhile the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of the bill.

"It is the board's desire that this bill, which has already passed through the state House of Representatives and will soon come up for vote in the state Senate, will be instrumental in bolstering growth and revenue with spin-offs and benefits for the entire region," the statement said. "It is our hope that this powerful economic development tool will open the door for increased cooperative efforts in future development projects with mutually beneficial advancements that cross both county and city lines.

"While we understand that there are various factors involved with this development that could be cause for concern, it is our hope that a joint, regional effort will mitigate the concerns and capitalize on the collective, strengths of the region's economy, to ensure the project is a success for all of us."

The bill for the Millennium Development project in Marion will be heard in committee later this morning at 10 a.m. A vote in the full Senate is expected later today.

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